John and Nelda Wright on ATV pulling trailer of trash

John and Nelda Wright during Shoresweep 2021

John and Nelda Wright take Shore Sweep and keeping Lake Lanier clean seriously. The Flowery Branch residents have been participating in the cleanup for more than two decades. Over the past few years, the couple has collected plastic water bottles, glass bottles, sofa cushions and debris.

“We live close enough to Aqualand that we can just drive our gator and trailer over with everything we’ve collected,” John said. “It’s the least we can do as residents who regularly enjoy the lake.”

Several Atlanta- and lake-based organizations put together teams for this year’s event, including Barefoot Sailing Club. “We use the lake and we need to do our part to keep it clean,” said member Erin Schroder, who lives in Brookhaven. “Our members really enjoying giving back to the lake.”

Lake Lanier Association officials encourage groups to set up teams for the event. “It’s so much more fun to come out with friends for Shore Sweep,” cleanup chair Bonnie Putney said. “Over the years, we’ve had Scout troops, Rotary Clubs, company coworkers, church groups, neighborhoods and others turn out, all in the name of keeping Lake Lanier clean. It’s always a fun day.”